Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the Spontaneous Sedimentation in Tube Technique (SSTT) described by Tello, in comparison with the direct smear and other concentration techniques, when it is used to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in field and laboratory studies in rural areas of the Andean Region.
Methods: A prospective study (2000-2004) was carried out including 1 802 fecal samples from several areas around Peru: Iquitos (N = 74), Puno (N = 399), Junín (N = 1241), Lima (N = 88).
Results: SSTT showed more sensitivity to detect helminthes and protozoa in comparison to other conventional techniques carried out simultaneously (P;0.000). Although Baermann Technique and Lumbrera's Rapid Sedimentation Technique are crucial for Strongyloides larvae and Fasciola eggs detection, respectively; SSTT contributes to an effective and timely diagnosis of the intestinal parasites.
Conclusions: Due to its low cost, easy reproducibility and adaptability both in the laboratory and field work, it should be mandatory and urgent its implementation in laboratories from rural areas, as well as training of the staff involved in the diagnosis, as first step in the fight against intestinal parasites in Peru.